Honey Roasted Pecans - Easy Glazed Recipe for the Holidays (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

The Secret to Toasting Pecans

For proper storage, store your toasted pecans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you're not planning to use your pecans within two weeks of purchasing them, throw them in a resealable bag or air-tight container and freeze them.

While honey-roasted nuts are high in fat, a large portion of it is healthful. Unsaturated fats help you absorb vitamins and keep your muscles healthy by aiding in the construction of cells.

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking. To "sweeten" the pecan meats (kernels), simply put the pecan kernels in a bowl and fill with lukewarm water. Stir and tumble the meats in the water for several minutes and you will see the discoloration in the water.

Coat the nuts: In a bowl, toss the nuts with a small amount of oil or melted butter to help the seasonings adhere. Then, sprinkle the seasonings over the nuts and toss to ensure even coating.

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the pecans: Spread the pecans on a large baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are fragrant and a deeper shade of brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

Best Methods for Toasting Nuts

I'm sorry to say it, but if you want pristine roasty-toasty nuts, you're going to have to turn your oven on. Using the oven to toast your nuts is ideal because an oven provides uniform, even heat, which means that the nuts are going to be toasted from the inside out.

Pecans are also uniquely high in good fats and other heart healthy nutrients which is why this special nut is certified by the American Heart Association's® Heart-Check Program.

Is it OK to eat pecans every day? ›

“Eating a handful of pecans each day can help satisfy cravings for unhealthy snacks and provide a nutritious boost to any meal. Furthermore, pecans can also be included as part of a healthy diet when combined with other nutrient-rich foods in moderation.”

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

Toasting pecans brings out their natural flavor and enhances their crispiness, so they are ready for all your favorite baked goods. Anytime there are pecans in a recipe, you can use toasted pecans in their place, or add chopped roasted pecans for extra crunch in your favorite cookies or breads.

Heat used during roasting nuts can slightly reduce their levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Roasting may also damage some of their healthy fats. Further, if stored improperly in heat or exposed to sun for too long, these fats can get rancid which will give the nuts an unpleasant taste and smell.

By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.

Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours.

Put the pecans in a pot and cover them with water. Bring them to a boil; boil for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain pecans in a colander and allow them to cool so they can be handled. Crack them open and you'll find out just how easy it is to get a whole pecan out of the shell.